Do you ever wish you could simply speak with a doctor about a health issue without having to schedule an appointment or worry about costs? Botsford Hospital has a free program which enables you to learn about various health issues in a relaxing atmosphere.

Lactation consultant, birthing instructor, classical homeopath and herbalist offers breastfeeding advice

New moms have enough to worry about when baby arrives. Breastfeeding can be difficult and, in many cases, a painful experience. I had my own problems when I began breastfeeding and I know I'm not alone in the experience. I spoke to board certified lactation consultant Sara Chana to ask her for some breastfeeding tips for new moms.

Oakland County Moms: Breastfeeding recommendations have changed so much through the years. How long do you recommend a mother breastfeed her child?

The buzz around my kids' elementary school is that a large number of children are staying home due to head lice this season. Winter is one of the top times of the year when it comes to lice. The hat-swapping and cold conditions are perfect for lice. Other than reminding children not to share clothes, there are some tips and products to help prevent head lice in kids.

Study shows low booster seat use for parents who carpool

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has released new booster seat statistics of parents that carpool for their February 2012 edition of Pediatrics (published January 30th).

The statistics (below) serve as a reminder for parents who pick up their childrens' friends for school or drive them around for play dates. The stats should also serve as a reminder to arrange for a carpooler to have your child's car seat or booster seat available if they are going to drive your child somewhere. In addition, the AAP also reiterates current booster seat laws.

One has to wonder with the bullying battles teens face each day, would a teen go as far as getting a plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery procedure with hopes of safe-guarding oneself against the threat of bullying? Are teens pursuing plastic surgery options like Rhinoplasty for medical reasons or cosmetic reasons? Are more teens chasing unrealistic expectations of a perfect body image through cosmetic surgery?

Recent research suggests a decrease in the overall number of cosmetic (aesthetic) plastic surgeries among teenagers (those 18 and younger), according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).**

It's a blast from the past - the Grapefruit Diet. Is the Grapefruit Diet legitimate, or a money making diet scheme? I interviewed Dawn Jackson Blatner, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in sports dietetics, to find out the skinny on the Grapefruit.

Oakland County Moms: We first heard about Grapefruit diets in the 80's. How is your program different?

I admit I am a concerned parent with regard to the amount of germs my children are exposed to at school. To find out how true or not true my concerns are, I consulted an expert. Peter Sheldon is the VP of Operations and Development for a very progressive company called Coverall Health-Based Cleaning Systems. They devise hygienic cleaning protocols that are designed to reduce health risks in commercial environments. Below are some Q&A from the interview...

The Pontiac Public Library is offering free CPR classes in 2012 thanks to a grant the library received from the American Heart Association.

Free CPR Classes will be offered at the Pontiac Public Library at the following dates and times:

With the cold and flu season upon us, I had an opportunity to interview Dr. Alanna Levine about how to treat a child's fever as well as discuss some common misconceptions parents have about treatment. Dr. Alanna Levine is a board certified pediatrician and mom of two young children. Dr. Levine has appeared on NBC's TODAY Show, CBS's The Early Show, FOX News, CNN Headline News, as well as many other national and local TV and radio stations across the country.

Oakland County Moms: There's something about a fever that sends parents into another stage of worry. How concerned should parents be if their child gets a fever?